Food is meh. I wasn't too impressed with drink selections. Their only advantage is a slightly lower price than other bars

This place is an institution and thank god it is still around as the neighborhood gentrifies around it. I can't even believe the new construction popping up everywhere in Petworth! I used to live in D.C., but every time I come back I feel I got to make a stop of Red Derby. Not a swank bar at all, and if you're looking for that ... well what the hell are you doing in Petworth anyway?!?! Roof top deck is a must, in the summer time it doesn't get better. Nice breeze up there and I've always had a pleasant interaction with the staff. $5 vodka sodas ... yeah I can get behind that. And let me tell you friends, that's not skimping on the vodka. Oh no ... there's a dollop of love in each pour. Smoking up top and it is cash only, but living in Queens I'm used to that. Right next to an amazing taco place, you can start and end your night all in one block! Make a trip, check it out, you're wallet and your soul will not be disappointed. read more

The Ladies Who Lush DC happy hour moved to this chill lil rooftop bar for act deux. Whoa. It turned into QUITE the speakeasy. Venturing into topics I cannot discuss here. I guess what happens at the Red Derby stays at the Red Derby, too. One exception is the table full of plastered patrons which was ejected by management for bad, bad behavior, to include slapping one another with bunches of flowers. WTF? Sit down. No sit all the way down. Better yet get to steppin'! Our server from the previous spot (Mimi) joined us and we ordered fried food. The fried macaroni & cheese was better here than at the Penn Quarter Sports Tavern (it was just the cheesiest...). And someone else ordered fries and tenders. I didn't taste the tenders but the fries are, well, you know, fries. Two things to remember about this place: [1] it is ca$h only; [2] there are skeeters galore!!! Re [1], thank goodness Jennifer P. bought me a cocktail. And thank God it was the same rail vodka I was on at the previous place. None of that switching to shots of Jameson with a picke juice chaser like the other women. Even with the description of Liquid Cheeseburger, I did NOT go for the mixture. Re [2], I spent a lot of time slapping skeeters away from my ankles. Overall, The Red Derby, if you can find it, is not bad. In fact, it's A-OK. I'll have to return under way different circumstances to get the full effect. read more

One of the best dive bars ever! Great atmosphere, great music, affordable drinks, super friendly staff... I'd come back!! read more

Red Derby - Rooftop bar :D - Dive Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I have been there twice. Service is not the friendliest specially closer to entrance, and the area is not really safe as there are always cops chasing something. but if you are in the area you should check it out as there are always local people hanging out there. update: I got a horrible taco on tuesday(half price- taco night) there, but again there were friendly people hanging out and couples on date. I dont know if I was supposed to eat there! probably not read more

I really like the Red Derby. In my experience the crowd is friendly, the beers are canned, and the food is fried. There's a small outdoor patio where you can occassionally hang out (occassionally "the management" makes you go inside... which doesn't make much sense, because why in god's name would a bar have a patio you can't drink on?), and there are board games. A projector plays ironically bad movies on the wall. Sometimes the music is great; on the flipside, sometimes you'll hear Death Cab for Cutie. My complaints about the Red Derby include the bartenders not being very helpful and it being categorized as a dive bar. I mean, it offers food and high end beer and has games and a projector. Have you ever been to a dive bar? Not if you've never left DC, apparently. Speaking of games. My first time at the Red Derby I came from behind to defeat my roommate in Trivial Pursuit. Upon my victory I pushed my stool back, toppling it, and then stood in the middle of the room doing a dance I like to call The Guns of Navaronne (not dissimilar to the move Gunjack does in Tekken 2). That doesn't have much to do with anything, but I can't really think of the Red Derby without thinking of that victory dance. read more

My friends and I (party of 4) came here for brunch last Sunday. It's a great location, we love cheap brunch, and we tend to love these hole in the wall places around Columbia Heights. The food was good (we ordered breakfast bowls and a breakfast burrito), but it took OVER AN HOUR to be served. We were starving. I'm pretty sure the waiter, who was not at all attentive, forgot to put in our order. And when we asked why it was taking so long, he replied that the kitchen was slammed. There were several empty tables next to us, though, so I don't think that was the case. Good food. Cheap prices. Horrible service. Long waits. read more

I happened to be in the area yesterday and decided to grab brunch. Overall, it was a decent experience. The service was decent and the food was ok. I was disappointed they didn't have omelettes. Since they didn't I got the Derby Bowl which was heavy with tater tots and cut up sausage patties, Needless to say, I wasn't a fan. Also, they have $3 mimosas which is cheap but I think they should opt for bottomless. I get $14 bottomless mimosas at other establishments. Of course 5 mimosas can be a lot but when you're with friends for hours on end at brunch 5 is a drop in the bucket. The crowd here was young and I believe it is a cash only establishment. I'd definitely come back and try something else if I was in the area but I wouldn't come out of my way to return. read more

The Red Derby has a great vibe. The rooftop patio was absolutely full, and is a great place to drink with your favorite people. There is a huge beer selection, and you can get some pretty cheap beer, if need be. The vodka tonic was pretty weak, though. One person was raging happy after eating the bacon cheeseburger. If only all bars were like this... CASH ONLY. read more

Red Derby is a solid neighborhood bar with great prices on booze and food. The bartender was so nice and chatted with us on a slow cold night in January. Hot tip: they take credit cards now! read more

Haiku #40 Haute dive-bar chicness Board games, cheap beer, rooftop brunch Who could ask for more? Note: This review pertains specifically to brunch. I recently waltzed in on a lazy Sunday afternoon (12:30) and was immediately thrown by the lack of patrons enjoying brunch downstairs. A few of my hipster pals had dragged me out to this neck of the woods for what was promised to be a delicious brunch. Then I saw people playing card games at the table and I was instantly sold--even if the food wasn't great, at least I'd be able to get my game on. We decided to hit the rooftop--which by the looks of things was what everyone else had decided to do. We waited about ten minutes for a table. The waitress was friendly enough, she took our drink orders ($2 bloody mary's-pretty decent too and got stronger as the day wore on!-and mimosas with brunch) and gave a few menu recommendations. We placed our orders: BELT on wheat toast with tater tots; tater tot and sausage egg bowl; veggie tot egg bowl; veggie burger and tater tots. As you can see, Red likes to provide everyone with ample tater tots (I'm definitely a fan of this!). As we waited for the food, we slurped a few drinks (including some self-serve water I brought us). Then we waited, and waited, and waited some more. Waiting's not really so bad when you're two-dolla-day-drinking. The food finally made it's way to the table and subsequently to our mouths. Nobody seemed especially impressed--this is definitely a DIY brunch, as in, you might as well have done it at home. That said, it was simple and not bad. What's more, the veggie burger was actually damn good for a veggie burger (nice flavor, nice grill, not greasy or dry) and the tots were good and crisp. Could've used some hot sauce, but hey, that's life. Now, was this a spectacular brunch? No it was not. The total ended up at a cool $55 for four people all eating and drinking. Not bad. Not amazing. Needless to say, however, we had a great time and lingered around Red for nearly 4 hours. I'd do it again. read more

The best bar in DC. This place feels like home. The menu is full of comfort food and always comes out hot and consistent. Service is good- not overbearing and they aren't trying to upsell you on anything. Board games available on the bottom level of the bar and patio allows smoking. Cash only but there is an ATM in the bottom level of the bar. Prices are cheap and include tax, so don't whine about the ATM fee. The crown jewel of the derby is their brunch. Their $3 bloody marys will ruin you for life by becoming your new golden standard. Breakfast burrito with tots. Bloody mary. Repeat. read more

I ended up here twice on my 6 day visit back in DC thanks to Legba... Hey now! I'm not complaining! Cheap beer. Cute servers. Greasy yet delightful food.... We had a great time @ Sunday Brunch. What were they projecting? Who knows.... But, it was dang classy the way they had the couches taped up with duct tape. I give it two thumbs up. read more

A fun, comfortable place to grab a drink amidst a laid-back crowd. When I was there during the second snowpocalypse, we shared a table with a bike messenger who invited us to his trivia night and a friendly group of City Year kids. This place is great for hanging out with friends and making new ones. Added bonus for carrying an impressive array of craft brews in cans (cheaper AND environmentally friendly), plus their deep-fried mac-and-cheese squares are genius! read more

Did I come to the same bar as other reviewers or have the tides just shifted to the east? I just want to throw out there that on my last visit to the Derby an OVERWHELMING number of patrons were sporting sundresses and collared shirts. Not exactly the standard costume of the "hipster". (Although I was perched next to a guy with tats and a castro hat sipping on some pinot noir... but one or two patrons alone could hardly define the "scene" could they?) Anyway, I digress. You don't need yet another review to tell you that they are a pretty cool cash-only, canned-only beer establishment. The selection is actually pretty good and the fact that you're only drinking canned beer keeps the bar tab down. (Or at least that's true for my bar tab.) If you think nothing but cheap pisswater pilsners come in a can, check out their selection. (And if you're looking for a quality brew to convert you, I recommend anything by Oskar Blues) If you're avoiding this bar for fear of "hipsters", your fears are unfounded. Stop being silly and come on by. read more

Best bar in DC. Why? Beth working the upstairs bar with her revolving set of sassy sirens that make an evening here feel like a party. Kris, Amanda, Sascha- the staff is the best anywhere- smart, knowledgable about all their wares and serving the best bar grub. Bring cash, no credit cards. read more

Red Derby - Dive Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I Absolutely Love This Bar!!!! I Come Here All The Time With My Friends & Our Server Ruby Takes The Cake! She is very professional, friendly, has great energy and take good care of us everytime we come here. She make excellent recommendations for food as well as drinks. I had the bbq cheddar burger . It was delicious shout out to the chef! Thank You Ruby for always taking care of us and we definitely be back! When you come here Ask for Ruby! Thank you so much! We appreciate you! read more

All the beer is in cans. Fancy cans, but still, they're cans. After several cans I really missed a draft pint. Six dollars for a can doesn't feel like a deal. That's my only complaint, otherwise it has a great vibe. read more

My favorite dive in DC. Plenty of Natty Boh's and a beautiful rooftop deck. The staff is the friendliest you'll find in DC : ]. Skip the bar food. Cash only. read more

First night I went there...I met the owner and proceeded to take shots with him! I LOVE IT THERE! THE END. read more

Great staff! Great rooftop! Cheap drinks, decent food, great vibe! This place has tons of soul power, unlike the new place that opened up next door. I hope the new place and Red Derby can co-exist, but I'm a Red Derby loyalist. Plus, I like a cash only bar that has big buck hunter, Sam Cooke sing-a-long time and an entire wall where you can express yourself through chalk-art! read more

The nicest group of people that you could ask for. They do a great job during these weird times to take care of everyone and do it as safely as possible. Tip them well. read more

This is my favorite place to go in DC. They have a great selection of beers, really good food (and ice cream sandwiches!) and the roof top is awesome in all seasons. But the best thing about this place by far is the staff. You can tell everyone who works there loves it, and their happiness improves your night. Try to sit at Cobra's table if you can, that guy is the best of the best! I love you Red Derby. read more

Lots and lots of choices for beer. I didn't get to try their cocktails, so I can speak for their flavor/strength/cost. I love the deck up top; they played great music, but it wasn't so loud you couldn't have a conversation with friends. The best part was that the kitchen keeps cooking until midnight! We came on a Tuesday, so tacos were half off, but still of good size and flavor. read more

Loved this place! I came on a Friday afternoon. It was a bit too hot to sit out on the upstair patio, but the patio looks like a lot of fun, especially on a nice afternoon. They have a great selection of canned beers. I heard that they also had board games, but I didn't play them. Also had some great bar food. read more

Stopped by for a late night burger thinking it was a burger joint when really it was just a traditional dive bar that sells food a cocktails. BUT...when I tell you this burger was on point?? It was on point! You could really taste the fresh chargrilled taste and it was a great size burger with an awesome amount of fries. I got the derby burger which was fresh tasting and cooked appropriate to what I asked for (medium well). Only complaint I have is that it wasn't your traditional bacon. It was almost like prosciutto on there. And a really thin slice at that...nonetheless, the burger itself was pretty damn good. Good job guys read more

Went here with friends last night. The place is ok, I mean nothing extraordinary, I think if you want to be somewhere where you can have a good time with a nice ambiance, this place does the job. The customer service is good and they have a huge variety of beers, I liked that because lately I've been very interested in tasting new beers. When it comes to food, I don't know if I am always the lucky one, but it took them over an hour to get our food on the table, the waiter was very apologetic, said the kitchen was a little behind and bought us a round, while we waited, but this was only after half an hour of waiting for the food, come on! We only ordered chicken tenders, beef tacos and a bunch of raw veggies, how long could take to put those three together, pleaaaaase! After we decided to cancel the food order he came with the food anyway and said it was on the house. This was cool, I mean at least they did that. But having to wait over an hour for three simple things, is unacceptable. We stayed there because we were very engaged with our conversation but we were also starving and asking from time to time what was going on with the food. Oh it was ok, bar food, tasted good and presented ok, again nothing extraordinary. I might go back just for the bar, because I realized there are a lot of latin restaurants around the area and I must check them out! read more

My only update is that Derby takes cards now! Hallelujah! Wanted to give 6 stars before but now would give 7 if I could!

Everything about this bar was awesome! The beer list is extensive and reasonably priced and the atmosphere is pleasantly low-key (even when it got pretty crowded on a Friday night.) Our server went above and beyond too. She was attentive and friendly - and most importantly, her beer suggestions were spot on. I am already looking forward to our next visit here! read more

My new go-to brunch spot! I'm kind of anti-brunch - and this is the perfect place for that! They open at 11 (per the website), and we got one of the last tables upstairs at about 11:20. The $3 bloody mary was nice and spicy. My friends breakfast bowl (tots topped with scrambled eggs, sausage and cheese) looked like the perfect hangover food! read more

$3 bloodies and mimosas during brunch. IN DC. Hi. The drinks were delish. The bloodies come with an old bay rim, an olive, and a smidge of celery. We sat on the rooftop which was definitely quite chilly even with some winterizing. But--there's a few tables, a bar, and plenty of open, bright space. And some music to boot. Downstairs is a bit darker but they have all the TVs. Food was OK...they overcooked my 'medium' burger to what we'll call 'well done'. So it was a tad dry. Everyone enjoyed their burgers and my friend liked her breakfast bowl. They all came with tots and I'm cool with that. Our server was very sweet and attentive. read more

Enjoyed the southern biscuits and honey butter. The BELT (that's a BLT with egg) was alright. Personally I think the egg ruined it. Tater tots are crispy (better than Sticky Rice's). Did not like that you have to serve yourself water, and they didn't have real utensils (uh, when was the last time a plastic fork cut anything? I'm not a flight, give me real silverware damn it!) This review is just for brunch today. As for nighttime and beer, yes, I frequent this one when in the hood. read more

This is a very good DC bar that reminds me of a lot of places in NYC in that it's pretentiously hipster. They have great drink specials and happy hour deals if you go on the right day. Lots of beer selection but they all come in cans, don't expect any drafts here or miracles. People are friendly. The decor and the random movies playing on walls are the icing. Highly recommend if you're in the DC area. read more

Great drinks and food. I've always had a great time at this place. Service is always friendly as well. And even better, they take credit cards now! I hope they'll always be there. read more

I really enjoy Red Derby! It's always a good time! Once, when I was waiting for some friends to show up, I had a 20 minute conversation with the bartender... From my experience, that doesn't happen very often, or at least it's not usually a good conversation. The good: - nice selection of beer - good prices - fun time The bad: - hipster heavy - the neighborhood at 2am read more

We went here for brunch post-party last night. Rooftop is good- very refreshing. The menus were photocopy but who cares. Free bread was cold- not sure if fresh. My roommate got breakfast sausage burrito. She loved it. I got BLT with egg sandwich. It was good too. Meals came with Tater Tots. Overall, nice brunch place to try. I had other brunch places that I loved. So Red Derby might just be a one time deal and not amazed enough to be a regular here. read more

Red Derby - Bacon Lettuce Tomato Egg - Dive Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

UPDATE: Still my kind of bar. Been back a handful of times since writing the first review and this place has by far the friendliest bar staff I've encountered in DC. Also, I was ill-informed of their happy hour deal -- turns out it's better than I thought! My kind of bar. Pros: Rooftop patio, friendly bartenders, good beers, hip (but not overly so) crowd, great beer selection Cons: Cash only read more

Red derby is my favorite place to go when I just want to drink a $3 Bud Light in a t-shirt and jeans. They now accept credit cards with a $5 minimum which it makes it much more convenient. The drinks are really affordable for DC and they offer a $1 off the entire menu during happy hour and half off tacos on Wednesday's. The food is respectable yet simple and the staff is always quite friendly. I enjoy the rooftop quite a lot during the summer. If you are looking for a casual, divey experience in Columbia Heights this place is perfect! read more

Great dive bar in Petsworth - good beer selection, super cheap brunch drinks on the weekend, nice rooftop that's closed in and fairly warm in the winter and awesome friendly bartenders. Came for a friends birthday and they sang to her with an ice cream sandwich and a candle - gotta love it. Definitely check this place out if you're day drinking or whatever the case may be. read more

I like how chill and laid back this bar is. I stumbled upon it because it is down the street from where I live, but no matter where you live in D.C. you should defiantly visit this bar at least once! Unpretentious and ultra cheap for D.C. standards, and you will always find good company. It is kind of like my version of Cheers now. haha. read more